Luke 11:8b

"...yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs."

Persistence. Seems like annoyance to me, especially when you're approaching God. I'm timid about asking for things, particularly from those in authority and power over me. Jesus is telling me to "Stop it!" Don't stop being persistent, stop being timid with your Father and start asking Him for things, especially things you really need. Will He give me something harmful? (cf. Luke 11:11). Of course not. What father in his right mind would do something like that to one of his children? He loves me and wants me to seek Him out. "And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-10)

What's of particular interest to me about this story, however, is that the "friend" is not asking for himself. He's asking in order to meet the need of another. (cf. Luke 11:5-6) Furthermore, Jesus tells this story right after instructing His followers how to pray. My timidity can turn to confidence and boldness when it comes to praying for the needs of others. If I would but keep praying, with persistence and faith, then God will open the door, and those I'm praying for can receive.

I'm encouraged today to pray for Victoria, to pray for my Dad (and my Mom), to pray for Poppy, to pray for Kristen, to pray for Sam, to pray for Willow, to pray for Meagan, to pray for Austin, to pray for Barret, to pray for Annie, to pray for Brian, to pray for the church, to pray for Tim, to pray for Tony, and to pray for Vince. I have a whole new vision and zeal to pray for others today.

'Thank you, Lord, for not becoming annoyed with my prayers, but answering them as you see fit and most appropriate for your children. I pray in faith today. Hear and satisfy me as I persistently beg on their behalf.'